New COPD Guidance Addresses Pulmonary Rehabilitation

New clinical guidelines on the diagnosis and management of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) make recommendations for pulmonary rehabilitation for patients who are symptomatic and those who have exercise limitations. The guidance, developed by the American College of Physicians (ACP), American College of Chest Physicians, American Thoracic Society, and European Respiratory Society, updates the 2007 ACP clinical practice guideline. Recommendations address other COPD management strategies, such as evaluation of various inhaled therapies and supplemental oxygen therapy, the value of history and physical examination for predicting airflow obstruction, and the significance of spirometry for screening or diagnosis of COPD.